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2008 NFL Draft Preview – Washington
Redskins
by Joseph
Mays
NFL Draft Analyst
4/20/08
Introduction
After
the tragic and unfortunate death of star safety Sean Taylor and an
excruciating loss the following weekend to the Bills - their 4th
consecutive defeat – the Redskins appeared finished. They would
lose starting QB Jason Campbell in the next game against the
Bears. A funny thing would happen then. Career backup Todd
Collins would step and the lead Washington to victory. Not just
versus Chicago; but in every remaining game in the regular
season. The Redskins finished 9-7 and grabbed a wild card spot.
Joe Gibbs retired following the season and was replaced – eventually –
by Jim Zorn. Besides the change in coaching, Washington also
changed its approach to the offseason. Apparently the days of
endlessly trading away draft picks and handing out huge contracts to
free agents are over. The Redskins signed only one free agent
(Jerome Mathis) while resigning seven of their own free agents.
Jason Campbell should be healthy for training camp and, with some smart
drafting, the ‘skins will be fighting for a division title.
| Offseason Transactions (as of
April 17) |
| Player |
Action |
Comments |
| Brandon Lloyd |
Cut |
Signed with Chicago |
| Matthias Askew |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Mike Espy |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Steven Harris |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Derrick Frost |
FA |
Resigned |
| Ethan Albright |
FA |
Resigned |
| Jason Fabini |
FA |
Resigned |
| Nehemiah Broughton |
FA |
Resigned |
| Rock Cartwright |
FA |
Resigned |
| Ryan Boschetti |
FA |
Resigned |
| Todd Collins |
FA |
Resigned |
| Mark Brunell |
FA |
Signed with New Orleans |
| David Macklin |
FA |
Signed with St. Louis |
| Reche Caldwell |
FA |
Signed with St. Louis |
| Brian Kozlowski |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Keenan McCardell |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Mike Pucillo |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Omar Stoutmire |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Pierson Prioleau |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Randall Godfrey |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Rick DeMulling |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Ross Tucker |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Jerome Mathis |
Signing |
From Houston |
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| 2007 Statistics |
| Offense |
| Points/Game |
20.9 |
18th |
| Yards/Game |
333.4 |
15th |
| Rush Yards/Game |
116.9 |
12th |
| Pass Yards/Game |
216.4 |
14th |
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| Defense |
| Points Allowed/Game |
19.4 |
11th |
| Yards Allowed/Game |
305.2 |
8th |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game |
91.2 |
4th |
| Pass Yards
Allowed/Game |
214.0 |
16th |
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Areas
of Need
The Redskins have a
decent base upon which to build. Like division rival Philadelphia
their biggest need is a player at WR to open up the offense.
Though the offensive line, when healthy, is strong the units’ depth is
a big question. Filling these needs as well as a few others will
keep Washington competitive in the NFC East.
Wide
Receiver – The Brandon Lloyd experiment is over. Reche
Caldwell is gone and Keenan McCardell wasn’t resigned. Santana
Moss and Antwan Randle-El are the same type of player – explosive and
quick but small. A big target with reliable hands to work the
middle of the field and end zone is a necessity. This position
should be filled in round one. Otherwise big WRs will be hard to
find.
Possible Targets (Round) – Limas Sweed, Texas (1); James Hardy, Indiana
(1); Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (2); Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin (5); Mario
Urrutia, Louisville (7)
Offensive
Line – The entire starting line is over 30. Chris Samuels
and Jon Jansen have trouble staying healthy. There is little
experience behind them. Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas are solid
guards. Depth is a big issue. Adding a tackle and guard
would be wise. Late additions would do for now but soon the
Redskins will have to find replacements for Jansen and Kendall.
Possible Targets (Round) – OT Anthony Collins, Kansas (3); OT John
Greco, Toledo (3); OT Breno Giacomini, Lousiville (5); OC Kory
Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green (5); OG Drew Radovich, USC (5)
Defensive
Line – Andre Carter was a rare free agent signing
success. However there is a big void opposite if him.
Younger DTs would be ideal as well but a pass rushing DE is a
priority. If a DE is passed on in round one, one must be taken in
round two.
Possible Targets (Round) – DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (1); DT Kentwan
Balmer, North Carolina (1); DE Calais Campbell, Miami (FL) (1); DT Pat
Sims, Auburn (2); DT Dre Moore, Maryland (2)
Safety
– LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor were a formidable duo before Sean’s
passing. The Redskins will be forced to add a safety opposite
Landry during this draft to compensate. Pick 84 or 96 should land
a nice complement.
Possible Targets (Round) – Josh Barrett, Arizona State (3); Tom
Zbikowski, Notre Dame (3); Thomas DeCoud, California (3); Michael
Grant, Arkansas (5); David Roach, TCU (6)
| 2008 Draft Picks |
| Round |
Pick
(Overall) |
Comments |
| 1 |
21 (21) |
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| 2 |
20 (51) |
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| 3 |
21 (84) |
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| 3 |
33 (96) |
Compensatory |
| 5 |
19 (154) |
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| 6 |
20 (186) |
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| 7 |
21 (228) |
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| 7 |
35 (242) |
Compensatory |
| 7 |
42 (249) |
Compensatory |
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